Figured since it was kicking off today with the D-line and linebackers it would be good to throw a thread up. Both Higgins and Black will be up today.
NFL combine thread
- Thread starter squeezebox
- Start date
Measurements are coming in.
They had Black listed at 336lbs! Didn't think he was that big. Maybe thats why he ran the worst 40 time of 5.47. They could have timed him with a sundial. Lolol.. Slowest 10 yd split also, so thats not going to move him up any. He'll probably go third day, but I think he can make a team. He's a big dude....
Carl Davis has made a nice career for himself, I think Yahya can carve a similar path.
Yeah, but he finished.
Seriously, Black is a block out there. He can clog up the middle. Someone will see value in him.
I wasn't expecting Higgins to be a combine warrior but I didn't think he would test this bad. I wonder if he's still dealing with a nagging injury or something
Makes me think of the famed LB Bryan Cox of the Dolphins, Bears, etc. Dude was slow in testing and times but could play like no other and hit like a truck. Jay will be a steal.
It is crazy to see those times, and they are bad, and yet you watch him play, and he makes plays all over the field. What never gets considered, is how much a defenders ability to read their keys, and analyse quickly what is happening lets them move quickly to defend. Phil said one time" you can be the fastest guy out there, but if you run in the wrong direction initially, you'll run yourself out of the play, really fast".
The poor numbers make a little more sense.
Like it or not He just became a 6th or 7th rounder and will outperform the draft slot. He is just a football player , He should have sat out and waited until 100% or not tested at all and let His tapes speak as opposed to testing at less than 100% and putting up terrible numbers, Whoever advised Him should be ashamed
The combine was never going to be good for Higgins. If you went by measureables only he wouldn't be on a P5 roster. He may very well be a UDFA. But I won't bet against him making a team.
BirdistheWord
HB Legend
great comparison! one of the best football takes I've seen on here!
I hope Higgins gets drafted. Agree with all the positive comments posted above.
No doubt, but its more then that. As the "Mike" LB he needs to set the defense, know where all of his team mates need to be lined up, communicate pre snap, diagnose any motion, and then read and react. He did that the last two years about as well as anybody in the country.
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Always remember, if a player has the word "Iowa" next to their name, they will be underrated, under appreciated, and looked over. People trashed Coop, and now he's a super bowl champion with arguably the best play of the game. They said Linderbaum wasn't going to cut it, he's easily a top 10 center in the league. The list goes on and on. There's a reason why so many players from Iowa are still in the league.
A bit overstated I'd say. Nobody said Lindy "wasn't going to cut it" Many of the "experts" had him as the top center in the draft. Centers rarely ever get drafted round one. He tested really well at the combine as well. Coop was the 40th pick of the draft. Thats just outside the 1st round. Philly stated they were "shocked" they were able to get him and the other D rookie with their first two picks, and that he was still available at 40, so obviously some teams thought he was a steal even being just outside round one. As a rule, the combine folks and GM's think VERY highly of the guys Kirk sends to Indy. They call them "Iowa guys" and its used as a complement, meaning they'll be well schooled and technique solid.
Iowa may have accomplished something special at the combine this year. Three defensive players, three different positions, all the slowest at their position.
This might explain two things: first, why all three guys came back last year and two, why the defense took a step back last year
Oh wait-it was because of all the emphasis on the offense.
This might explain two things: first, why all three guys came back last year and two, why the defense took a step back last year
Oh wait-it was because of all the emphasis on the offense.
Hardly. Hitchens was a 2nd team AA, and a FIRST team AA the last 2 seasons, and a Butkus finalist one year and semi finalist the other. Led the nation in tackles with 171 Tackles in 23-24 an Iowa record. Chopped Liver right? The underwear Olympics are fun TV and all, but the dudes a football player, and a leader. Castro stood out BIG TIME at the senior bowl. You know, where they are actually practicing, and playing football....Just a frame of reference Lucas Van Ness had a crazy combine, and put up crazy numbers. Want to bet who has a better NFL career, him or Hitch?
You have a short memory. Do you remember Castro getting smoked on the crossing route that put ISU in FG range. Yes. He and Higgins have had great careers but speed does matter in the NFL and neither of them have it
What did I say about Hitchens? He was a good player 10 years ago. And I will bet you Van Ness makes more money in his career than any Iowa defensive player coming out this year. How much would you like to wager?
I’m not worried about Jay. He’s a quality young man. He’ll get his shot. And he’ll be successful. I’d always want him on my team.
